Definitions

zhōng (adjective) loyal; devoted; faithful

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "忠", structurally composed of "中" meaning center and "心" meaning heart, conceptually originates from the idea of a heart maintained in equilibrium and sincerity. In its earliest appearances, the term conveyed a broad sense of devoted integrity and earnest commitment in one's actions, particularly within the scope of public service or moral conduct toward authority figures. Over centuries, especially through the lens of Confucian ethical frameworks, its meaning gradually concentrated into a more specific virtue of loyalty, emphasizing steadfast faithfulness and ethical obligation within defined hierarchical relationships. This semantic shift refined the concept from general devotion to a principled allegiance, while the character's consistent form continued to reflect its foundational notion of an upright and centered heart, sustaining its significance in moral philosophy.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他对祖国很诚。

Tā duì zǔguó hěn zhōngchéng.

He is very loyal to his motherland.

他是一个实的朋友。

Tā shì yīgè zhōngshí de péngyǒu.

He is a faithful friend.

这位员工对公司很心。

Zhè wèi yuángōng duì gōngsī hěn zhōngxīn.

This employee is very loyal to the company.

他始终于自己的理想。

Tā shǐzhōng zhōng yú zìjǐ de lǐxiǎng.

He has always remained true to his ideals.

真正的诚经得起考验。

Zhēnzhèng de zhōngchéng jīng dé qǐ kǎoyàn.

True loyalty can withstand tests.

他用行动证明了这份贞。

Tā yòng xíngdòng zhèngmíngle zhè fèn zhōngzhēn.

He proved this fidelity with his actions.

他是我们事业最实的拥护者。

Tā shì wǒmen shìyè zuì zhōngshí de yōnghù zhě.

He is the most faithful supporter of our cause.

在逆境中,他依然保持着对信念的忱。

Zài nìjìng zhōng, tā yīrán bǎochízhe duì xìnniàn de zhōngchén.

In adversity, he still maintains his devotion to his beliefs.